Luck by Chance

Vikram Jaisingh, an aspiring actor from Delhi, arrives in Mumbai with dreams of becoming a Bollywood star. He reconnects with his friend Abhimanyu, through whom he meets Sona Mishra, a struggling actress relegated to supporting roles. The two begin a romantic relationship. While together, Vikram encourages Sona to enter a contest to win a refrigerator, replacing her old one.

Sona has long been promised a lead role by small-time producer Satish, who eventually secures funding for a new project. Expecting to be cast, Sona visits him, but he dismisses her. Composing herself, she leaves behind headshots of Vikram under the pretext of delivering photos for a relative. Satish’s wife notices Vikram’s pictures and forwards them to Romy Rolly, a prominent producer seeking a new male lead after a major star, Zafar Khan, exits his film.

Vikram is invited to audition and later meets Neena Walia, a fading film actress whose daughter, Nikki, has been cast opposite the new male lead. Vikram flatters Neena, who in turn influences the team to cast him. He secures the part, and he and Sona celebrate.

During filming, Nikki becomes infatuated with Vikram, and they begin a clandestine affair. When Sona visits the set unexpectedly, she senses a change in Vikram's behavior. Neena soon learns of the affair and urges the pair to maintain the image of being single to preserve the film's publicity. As rumors spread, Sona's journalist friend Tanveer publishes an exposé portraying Vikram as an opportunist who manipulated multiple women. After the article is released, Vikram’s relationship with Nikki ends, and he confronts Sona, accusing her of involvement. She denies it and confronts Tanveer for the breach of trust.

Despite the scandal, Romy Rolly’s film releases and becomes a box-office success, catapulting Vikram to stardom. Meanwhile, Sona wins the refrigerator contest, a reminder of Vikram’s earlier gesture. Nikki grapples with heartbreak, but Neena advises her to embrace the publicity to further her career, reflecting on her own past sacrifices in the industry.

At a post-release party, Vikram meets his idol, Shah Rukh Khan, who advises him not to forget those who supported him before fame. Taking the advice to heart, Vikram visits Sona to apologise. While he expresses remorse, Sona chooses to move on, recognizing his true nature. As she leaves, she reflects contentedly on her life, valuing her independence and resilience despite never achieving stardom.

• Farhan Akhtar as Vikram Jaisingh
• Konkona Sen Sharma as Sona Mishra
• Rishi Kapoor as Rommy Rolly
• Dimple Kapadia as Neena Walia
• Juhi Chawla as Minty Rolly
• Sanjay Kapoor as Ranjit Rolly
• Isha Sharvani as Nikki Walia
• Alyy Khan as Satish Chaudhary
• Sheeba Chaddha as Pinky Chaudhary
• Saurabh Shukla as Nand Kishore
• Arjun Mathur as Abhimanyu 'Abhi' Gupta
• Sid Makkar as Sameer
• Pankaj Kalra as Raju
• Arvind Vaidya as Pandit
• Hrithik Roshan as Zafar Khan (special appearance)

===Guest appearances===

• Aamir Khan
• Abhishek Bachchan
• Akshaye Khanna
• Anurag Kashyap
• Boman Irani
• Dia Mirza
• Javed Akhtar
• John Abraham
• Karan Johar
• Kareena Kapoor
• Mac Mohan
• Manish Acharya
• Manish Malhotra
• Mushtaq Shiekh
• Rajkumar Hirani
• Ranbir Kapoor
• Rani Mukerji
• Ronit Roy
• Shabana Azmi
• Shah Rukh Khan
• Vivek Oberoi

Luck by Chance was produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under the banner of Excel Entertainment and marked the directorial debut of Zoya Akhtar.{{cite news |author=Shradha Sukumaran |date=4 January 2009 |title=Zoya Akhtar on Luck by Chance |url=http://www.mid-day.com/specials/2009/jan/040109-Zoya-Akthar-Luck-By-Chance-Scriptwriters-Mumbai-Play-Bollywood.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213025325/http://www.mid-day.com/specials/2009/jan/040109-Zoya-Akthar-Luck-By-Chance-Scriptwriters-Mumbai-Play-Bollywood.htm |archive-date=13 December 2009 |access-date=2009-01-22 |newspaper=MiD DAY}} She revealed that the first draft of the script was handwritten during a trip to Palolem Beach in Goa, nearly seven years before the film’s release. "The first film is the easiest to write because it’s usually what the person knows—their personal graphs, milieu, and feelings," she said. "Luck by Chance is not about established actors, but those who are waiting for things to happen."

Zoya drew inspiration from films about the Hindi film industry, such as Guddi (1971), Rangeela (1995), and Om Shanti Om (2007), and noted that she required little external research due to her own familiarity with the industry.{{Cite web |date=20 January 2009 |title=Farhan was the perfect choice for 'Luck By Chance': Zoya Akhtar (Interview) |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/farhan-was-the-perfect-choice-for-luck-by-chance-zoya-akhtar-interview_100144561.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124105928/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/farhan-was-the-perfect-choice-for-luck-by-chance-zoya-akhtar-interview_100144561.html |archive-date=24 November 2018 |access-date=2009-01-22 |publisher=Thaindian News |agency=Indo-Asian News Service}} The dialogues were written by Javed Akhtar, who, according to Zoya, brought his "bizarre sense of humor" to the script.

Farhan Akhtar trained extensively for his role, including achieving six-pack abs with the help of fitness trainer Cheetah Yagnesh, who also made a cameo as his character’s coach. Filming faced several challenges, including Mumbai’s unpredictable monsoon rains, which delayed a song sequence with Hrithik Roshan and damaged the set.[http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/news/2009/luck-by-chance-unlucky-080109.html Luck by Chance turns unlucky] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301152949/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/news/2009/luck-by-chance-unlucky-080109.html|date=1 March 2012}}, Oneindia.in. Retrieved 2009-01-30 According to Farhan, principal photography concluded in October 2008.{{Cite web |date=19 August 2008 |title=Zoya Akhtar ropes in Javed, Shabana for 'Luck By Chance' |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/zoya-akhtar-ropes-in-javed-shabana-for-luck-by-chance_10085790.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205302/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/zoya-akhtar-ropes-in-javed-shabana-for-luck-by-chance_10085790.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=2009-01-22 |publisher=Thaindian News |agency=Indo-Asian News Service}}

Zoya Akhtar cast her brother, Farhan Akhtar, in the lead role following a suggestion by director Reema Kagti, after seeing his performance in The Fakir of Venice. Zoya explained, "Farhan was the perfect choice because he knows the industry in and out. He is smart and bright, and both of us have been working together for years."

The film’s large ensemble cast presented logistical challenges. Zoya noted the difficulty in choosing actors who could convincingly play themselves while fitting seamlessly into the film’s narrative. In addition to Farhan, the cast included Konkona Sen Sharma, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Juhi Chawla, Sanjay Kapoor, Isha Sharvani, Alyy Khan, and Sheeba Chaddha. Zoya cast her parents, Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi, in cameo appearances. Kapadia was chosen to portray a fading film star, with Zoya commenting, "Dimple has played it edgy. She's all warm, soft sunshine and then there's a flip and she's hard, cold, steely."

Sharvani reunited with Hrithik Roshan after appearing together in a television commercial,{{Cite web |date=16 January 2009 |title=None can match Hrithik shaking a leg: Isha Sharvani |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/none-can-match-hrithik-shaking-a-leg-isha-sharvani_100142953.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303180443/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/none-can-match-hrithik-shaking-a-leg-isha-sharvani_100142953.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=2009-01-22 |publisher=Thaindian News |agency=Indo-Asian News Service}} while Juhi Chawla joined the cast as Minty, the wife of producer Romy Rolly.{{Cite web |date=21 January 2009 |title=Juhi Chawla dons blonde look for 'Luck By Chance' (Film Snippets) |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/juhi-chawla-dons-blonde-look-for-luck-by-chance-film-snippets_100145038.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235816/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/juhi-chawla-dons-blonde-look-for-luck-by-chance-film-snippets_100145038.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=2009-01-22 |publisher=Thaindian News |agency=Indo-Asian News Service}}

The producers opted for a restrained marketing campaign, encouraging audiences to discover the film organically. The main trailer was released in late December 2008, offering a glimpse of the central characters and tone. Promotion was handled by BigFlix, a division of Reliance BIG Entertainment, and included signed music CDs by Farhan Akhtar and Konkona Sen Sharma as prizes. The film was promoted across all 112 BIGFlix stores in 10 Indian cities, as well as internationally through their video-on-demand platform.{{Cite web |last=Tyagi |first=Chhavi |title=A 'By Chance' campaign to promote Luck By Chance |url=https://www.afaqs.com/news/advertising/23196_a-by-chance-campaign-to-promote-luck-by-chance |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=www.afaqs.com |language=en}}

A notable campaign titled "Auto By Chance" was launched in Mumbai in collaboration with Big FM and Godrej. Ten autorickshaws branded with the film's visuals offered free rides to passengers in suburban areas. Selected passengers were interviewed live by radio jockeys and shared their experience on air. Additionally, Indian gaming portal Zapak.com hosted a microsite featuring the promotional game "Luck by Chance – Lucky Break."

Luck by Chance was initially scheduled for release on 23 January 2009, alongside Raaz: The Mystery Continues. However, its release was postponed to 30 January 2009. The film was released on 900 screens worldwide across 27 countries, with over 700 screens in India and the remainder in overseas markets such as the United States, Canada, the UK, UAE, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.

The DVD of Luck by Chance was published by UTV Home Video, and its television premiere took place on StarPlus.{{Cite web |last=Tyagi |first=Chhavi |title=A 'By Chance' campaign to promote Luck By Chance |url=https://www.afaqs.com/news/advertising/23196_a-by-chance-campaign-to-promote-luck-by-chance |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=www.afaqs.com |language=en}}

Luck by Chance opened to modest occupancy in Indian theatres, averaging between 25% to 30% on its opening day.{{Cite web |author=BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork |date=2 February 2009 |title='Luck By Chance' and 'Victory' start slow at Box Office |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/luck-by-chance-and-victory-start-slow-at-.../418108/ |access-date=2009-02-06 |work=Bollywood Hungama}} According to trade analyst Joginder Tuteja, occupancy increased slightly to around 50% over the opening weekend.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2009 |title='Luck By Chance', 'Victory' have great show at box office (Box office review) |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/luck-by-chance-victory-have-great-show-at-box-office-box-office-review_100151157.html |access-date=2009-02-06 |work=Thaindian News |agency=Indo-Asian News Service}} While the film had a lukewarm domestic opening, its critical acclaim helped sustain its performance in urban centers, and it was ultimately declared a hit in India.

Internationally, the film performed respectably. In the United States, it debuted at number 32 and grossed $217,439 (approximately ₹1.06 crore) from 61 screens, with a per-screen average of $3,556. In the United Kingdom, it opened at number 21, earning £73,822 (approximately ₹50.95 lakh) from 50 screens, with a per-screen average of £1,476. The film also performed well in Australia.{{cite web |title=Luck by Change (2009) - International Box Office Results |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=intl&id=luckbychance.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606152523/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=intl&id=luckbychance.htm |archive-date=6 June 2011 |access-date=2011-07-06 |publisher=Box office mojo}}{{Cite web |author=Taran Adarsh |date=4 February 2009 |title=Victory and Luck by Chance ice cooled overseas |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/box-office/2009/luck-victory-ice-cold-040209.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020102526/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/box-office/2009/luck-victory-ice-cold-040209.html |archive-date=20 October 2012 |access-date=2009-02-06 |work=Bollywood Hungama |publisher=Entertainment OneIndia}}

Luck by Chance grossed approximately $3.91 million in India and a worldwide total of $4.50 million.[http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Shockingly-both-Luck-By-Chance-and-Victory-fail-to-impress/419117/ both ‘Luck By Chance’ and ‘Victory’ did very good to impress] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206202030/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Shockingly-both-Luck-By-Chance-and-Victory-fail-to-impress/419117/|date=6 February 2009}} Retrieved on 2009-02-06{{cite web |title=Luck by Change (2009) |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=luckbychance.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010035200/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=luckbychance.htm |archive-date=10 October 2009 |access-date=2011-07-06 |publisher=Box office mojo}}

Luck by Chance received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 83% based on 18 reviews, with an average rating of 6.8/10.{{cite web |title=Luck by Chance (2009) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/luck_by_chance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202211309/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/luck_by_chance/ |archive-date=2 December 2017 |access-date=30 May 2020 |via=rottentomatoes.com}} Anupama Chopra of NDTV praised Zoya Akhtar's satirical yet affectionate take on the Hindi film industry, writing, "Zoya pokes fun at Bollywood but she does it with great affection... What makes Luck By Chance compelling is the layers beneath the laughs." While she noted that the first half struggled with pacing, she commended the film’s satisfying and bittersweet conclusion.{{Cite web |author=Anupama Chopra |date=30 January 2009 |title=Movie Review: Luck By Chance |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/reviews.asp?lang=hindi&id=374&moviename=Luck+By+Chance |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131084104/http://movies.ndtv.com/reviews.asp?lang=hindi&id=374&moviename=Luck+By+Chance |archive-date=31 January 2009 |access-date=2009-01-30 |publisher=NDTV Movies}}

A reviewer for UAE Daily highlighted the film’s strong writing and execution, describing it as "one of the most cohesive scripts this side of the Atlantic" and commending Akhtar’s direction.[http://www.uaedailynews.com/entertainment/3192.html Exclusive Movie Review: LUCK BY CHANCE] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406080547/http://www.uaedailynews.com/entertainment/3192.html|date=6 April 2009}}, UAE Daily. Retrieved 2009-01-30 The Times of India appreciated its thematic exploration, stating, "Luck By Chance highlights how the film industry gives regard to everything but the story when making a movie, and ironically weaves a fascinating story using that paradox."{{cite news |author=Gaurav Malani |date=29 January 2009 |title=Movie Review: Luck By Chanc e |url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/moviereview/4046162.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131141238/http://movies.indiatimes.com/moviereview/4046162.cms |archive-date=31 January 2009 |access-date=2009-01-30 |newspaper=The Times of India}}

Noyon Jyoti Parasara of AOL India noted that while the film was entertaining and offered "some smiles", it lacked the emotional fulfillment of a traditional feel-good film.{{Cite web |author=Noyon Jyoti Parasara |date=30 January 2009 |title=Review of Luck by Chance at AOL India |url=http://www.aol.in/bollywood-story/luck-by-chance-movie-review/2009013000109019000001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203002000/http://www.aol.in/bollywood-story/luck-by-chance-movie-review/2009013000109019000001 |archive-date=3 February 2009 |access-date=2009-03-04 |publisher=AOL}}

Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times wrote, "Luck by Chance deftly satirizes Bollywood... A fabulous circus-theme musical number pulls out all the stops, but a scene in which an acting teacher explains why Hindi stars have to be more talented than those in Hollywood is a subtle comic gem." He also praised Farhan Akhtar's performance, calling it "understated" and effective.{{cite news |author=Genzlinger, Neil |author-link=Neil Genzlinger |date=30 January 2009 |title=Luck by Chance: A Bollywood Satire |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/movies/30luck.html?ref=movies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124105922/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/movies/30luck.html?ref=movies |archive-date=24 November 2018 |access-date=2009-01-30 |newspaper=The New York Times}}

Frank Lovece of Film Journal International compared the film to The Player (1992) and All About Eve (1950), describing it as a "seriocomic satire" and noting the large number of celebrity cameos as a reflection of the film’s sharp industry commentary.{{cite magazine |author=Lovece, Frank |author-link=Frank Lovece |date=2 February 2009 |title=Luck by Chance (review) |url=http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjournal/content_display/reviews/specialty-releases/e3i4fdb8e9f0eeb905ccb65d6482ad3019e |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427053506/http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjournal/content_display/reviews/specialty-releases/e3i4fdb8e9f0eeb905ccb65d6482ad3019e |archive-date=27 April 2009 |access-date=2009-02-06 |magazine=Film Journal International}}

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Category:2009 films

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Category:Films about Bollywood

Category:Films directed by Zoya Akhtar

Category:Films about actors

Category:Reliance Entertainment films

Category:2009 directorial debut films

Category:Cultural depictions of Shah Rukh Khan